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Understand cholesterol markers in your lab result
Learn how to read cholesterol markers in your blood test result, what high or low flags can mean, and which related markers to check before talking to your doctor.
Reference ranges vary by lab. One result alone cannot diagnose a condition.
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- Cholesterol (Total)Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures all cholesterol types in the blood — HDL (good), LDL (bad), and VLDL. Cholesterol is an essential molecule used to make hormones, vitamin D, and cell membranes.
- LDLLDL Cholesterol
LDL ("bad" cholesterol) carries cholesterol to tissues throughout the body. When LDL is too high, cholesterol can build up in artery walls, gradually narrowing them over time.
- HDLHDL Cholesterol
HDL ("good" cholesterol) carries excess cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for disposal, helping to protect against artery narrowing.
- Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored in the body. After eating, unused calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later energy use.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL. It captures all cholesterol carried by particles that can contribute to plaque buildup — LDL, VLDL and remnants — and is most informative when read alongside LDL, HDL, triglycerides and (if available) ApoB.
- VLDLVery-Low-Density Lipoprotein
VLDL is a class of triglyceride-rich, cholesterol-carrying particles produced by the liver. On most reports it is calculated from triglycerides rather than measured directly, so it is read alongside triglycerides, HDL, LDL, glucose and the rest of the metabolic picture.
- ApoBApolipoprotein B
ApoB is a protein found on every potentially atherogenic particle — LDL, IDL, VLDL and Lp(a). Measuring ApoB gives a particle count rather than a cholesterol amount, which is why it is read alongside LDL, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides for a fuller picture.
- Lp(a)Lipoprotein(a)
Lipoprotein(a), pronounced "L-P-little-a," is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is largely determined by genetics and stays relatively stable through life. It is read alongside LDL, ApoB, family history and overall cardiovascular risk rather than on its own.
- LDL-PLDL Particle Number
LDL-P counts the number of LDL particles directly, rather than measuring the cholesterol carried inside them. It is typically reported by NMR-based panels and is read alongside LDL cholesterol, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.